Foreign individuals may acquire residential and commercial property in Türkiye, subject to reciprocity and certain restrictions. The process differs from the one Turkish citizens follow by a few steps, and the order of those steps matters.
A caution first: this page describes the process; it is not the legislation. Fee rates, limits and some obligations change over time. Before deciding, confirm the current position from the official sources of the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre, and work with your own lawyer and accountant. We are estate agents, not legal or tax advisers.
Step by step
1. Tax identification number. Obtained from the tax office with your passport. Required at every stage from opening a bank account to the transfer itself.
2. A Turkish bank account. Needed so that payment and currency transactions are traceable. Banks ask a foreign client for a passport, tax number and address declaration.
3. Eligibility checks on the property. Two separate searches: that the property lies outside military and security zones, and that no restriction applies to the buyer's nationality. These run through the land registry office and belong before the decision to buy.
4. Mandatory valuation report. Sales to foreign buyers require a valuation report prepared by an authorised firm. The report tests whether the value declared at the registry is realistic.
5. Application and transfer. The application is made to the land registry office, the fee is paid, and on the appointment day the parties (or their attorneys) attend. A sworn translator must be present for a buyer who does not speak Turkish.
6. Afterwards. Utility connections, compulsory earthquake insurance, and registration with the compound management where applicable.
Three things that come up often
Power of attorney. If you cannot be in Türkiye, the transaction can be handled under a power of attorney. One drawn up abroad must be executed at a Turkish consulate or carry an apostille. Getting its scope right is critical — a narrowly drafted power of attorney stops the transaction on the day.
Currency conversion obligations. Certain property sales to foreign buyers carry obligations regarding the conversion and documentation of the purchase price through a bank. Because this rule has varied, confirm it with your bank and accountant before structuring the payment.
Residence permit and citizenship. Property acquisition can be linked to certain permits and statuses, and the conditions and thresholds have changed over time. Advising on this is outside our remit — you need an immigration lawyer. We find the property and stand beside you through the process.
Practical notes for foreign buyers in this belt
We work in English and the entire portfolio is published in both languages. Foreign interest here tends to concentrate on Zekeriyaköy and Uskumruköy: proximity to the international schools and the Koç University line is the reason we hear most often.
Buying remotely is possible but not what we recommend. The difference between villages in this belt does not come through in photographs; if you can, see it once in person — preferably in the winter months.